Learning Personality Theories

Learning Personality Theories

Learning Personality Theories
Personalities develop and learn from observing others, society, experiences, and the environment. Different theories have been created to explain how a person learns and develops. Three learning personality theories discussed here are the behavioral analysis theory, the social cognitive theory, and the cognitive social learning theory. The strengths and limitations of the three theories will be analyzed that will provide small, but noticeable edges on the other. A description of how each theory affects personality will be discussed. In closing, an explanation of how each learning theory proposes interpersonal relationships are influenced will be examined.
Strengths and Limitations
Behavioral Analysis Theory
An advantage of the behavioral analysis theory is that it is based on observable evidence. This theory contains important concepts such as reinforcement, used as effective therapies to treat undesirable behaviors. Although proven to be an effective therapeutic theory it has many weaknesses. It does not account for learning that does not involve negative or positive reinforcement, nor does it explain adaptive behavior. Proponents of this theory also argue that this approach is too deterministic and cannot be accurate, as it does not account for free will or emotion (Feist & Feist, 2009).
Social Cognitive Theory
Much like behavioral analysis theory, the main advantage of the social cognitive theory is that it is based on solid quantitative evidence that is observable and recordable. The other advantage of this theory is the idea of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is best described as the how someone perceives that he or she can hand certain situations. Individuals with high self-efficiency are more motivated to complete and master tasks while individuals with low self-efficacy are lacking in confidence and...